Patient Access & Scheduling Specialist

Northwestern Medicine; Chicago, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Northwestern Medicine is seeking a Patient Access Specialist to support patient scheduling, registration, and insurance verification. You will gather demographics, verify coverage, and coordinate with hospital departments to ensure smooth, patient-centered service.

The role requires 2–3 years of customer service or medical office experience, strong communication, and proficiency with Epic and data entry. A high school diploma is required, with multitasking and confidentiality emphasized.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• 2-3 years of customer service or medical office experience.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in computer data-entry/typing (40 wpm).
• Ability to read, write and communicate effectively in English.
• Basic computer skills and multitasking ability.
• Strong organizational, time management, analytical and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Responds to questions and concerns and provides excellent customer service.
• Schedules patients through NMHC systems and directs them accordingly.
• Collects patient demographic information and verifies insurance eligibility.
• Performs medical necessity checks and explains options if an appointment fails.
• Maintains patient confidentiality per HIPAA and privacy standards.
• Communicates with multiple departments to ensure smooth check-in and scheduling.
• Accurate handoff instructions to scheduling staff and Epic documentation.
• Participates in training, quality assurance, and process improvement activities.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Typing 40 wpm

Data entry

Multitasking

English proficiency

Problem solving

Time management

Organizational skills

Analytical skills

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

Epic

Job description

Northwestern Medicine is seeking a Patient Access Specialist to support patient scheduling, registration, and insurance verification. You will gather demographics, verify coverage, and coordinate with hospital departments to ensure smooth, patient-centered service.

The role requires 2–3 years of customer service or medical office experience, strong communication, and proficiency with Epic and data entry. A high school diploma is required, with multitasking and confidentiality emphasized.